New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Monday cleared a bill to expand the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for development, maintenance and management of national highways.

The NHAI consists of a chairman, up to five full-time members and up to four part-time members.

It will now consist of a chairman, and up to six full-time members and six part-time members.

At least two of the part-time members must be non-government professionals with knowledge or experience in financial management, transportation planning or any other relevant discipline, as per the bill.

The National Highways Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2011 was introduced in the Lok Sabha by the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, CP Joshi Dec 19, 2011.Later, the Bill was referred to the Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture in January 2012.